Blog post: PSS visit to Shetland

PSS Skills Lead, Angela Ward, and Fishing Port Safety Manager, Kevin Robinson, recently visited Shetland as part of a wider programme of industry engagement, taking the opportunity to meet with members and learn more about the unique operational environment of the islands.

One of the strongest impressions from the visit was the extent to which life and business operations in Shetland are shaped by the weather, something that influences planning, logistics, and daily activity across the islands.

Hosted by Lerwick Port Authority, the visit included discussions with colleagues across the organisation, a tour of the port and fish market, and opportunities to learn more about the diverse industries supported by the harbour.

A meeting with Stuart Wadley and Amy Inkster from the SHEQ team at Lerwick Port Authority, provided an opportunity to discuss current PSS activities and areas of shared interest. A coach tour of the port followed, with CEO Calum Grains providing an overview of the harbour’s operations and future plans. The tour highlighted the diverse activity taking place across the port, including aquaculture support vessels, cruise operations, and offshore decommissioning activity.

Discussions that evening with Jolene Clark centred around skills development and apprenticeships. The following morning, Commercial Manager, Victor Sandison provided a tour of the Lerwick Fish Market, where Norma, of Shetland Seafood Auctions, explained the process from landing to sale and gave a walkthrough of the e-auction system live. The system is shared with Scalloway Harbour and provides a seamless experience for buyers, who use the same system for fish going through both markets, regardless of their location. Operating on a ‘Dutch Auction’ basis, fish is sold to the first bidder as prices descend.

A meeting at Scalloway Harbour was hosted by Ross MacLennan, Small Ports Manager at Shetland Island Council, and James Christie-Henry, Assistant to Head of Engineering. Discussions covered current PSS work, particularly the forthcoming Fishing Vessel Safety in Ports (SiP) guidance, as well as issues affecting local harbour operations across their 16 ports. A short tour of the port rounded off a productive and informative afternoon.

The visit highlighted the remarkable diversity of activity taking place across Shetland’s ports, from fisheries and aquaculture to cruise tourism and energy-related operations, all supporting the islands’ economy and communities.

These visits are invaluable for reinforcing the cooperation between PSS and its members. They ground PSS’s national work in local realities and ensure the approach to guidance, campaigns, and collaborative learning reflects the operational context of ports.

PSS extends thanks to Lerwick Harbour Authority and Shetland Islands Council and to all who joined us across the few days spent in Shetland for their warm welcome and open discussion. Members interested in hosting a PSS visit are encouraged to get in touch.